Sewing Circle: A belt that's too long
Q:
Natasha from twenty-something asked: have any quick-fix ideas on how to handle a belt that is just a little too long? I have a really beautiful belt I purchased from banana republic and I refuse to cut it...i believe i would ruin it. Unfortunately, it doesn't reach the next belt loop and it looks awful just hanging there. It is wide, so I cant fold under, as I do with the skinny belts. You are so crafty, I figured I ask for your help! :) I also attached a photo for you.
Well, Natasha, I have had this problem before, too! On one braided belt I have, I used a bobby pin to keep the tab pinned to the rest of the belt, but I'm sure there are better ways ;)
Cutting it would have been my other first thought, although it looks like you'd ruin the continuity of the finishing and stitching, so if you don't want to do that, you can...
- Move the leather carrier over a couple inches by removing it from the back and inserting it a few inches down the belt, or
- Create a new carrier, possibly something innovative and not intended to match. Or, a shoe repair shop would possibly have bits of leather to
- Create a new, matching carrier to attach a couple inches over from the existing one.
If any of you have questions for Sewing Circle, please email me and let me know!
i'm not sure if it work work on a leather belt, but for fabric belts (like those found on 50's dresses and such), a bit of fashion tape works wonders.
ReplyDeleteIf you don't mind a little extra bulk, you can fold the end of the belt under and tuck it back into the carrier. It's a lovely belt!
ReplyDeleteShorten it from the buckle end! You and usually pick it apart there and cut some off, then resew it together. The best way to do it is to punch holes using an awl, then hand sew with heavy thread. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteI have that problem with a few of my belts too. Mine are not as wide as that one but it should work the same way - what I do is take a matching color hair band and wrap it around the belt to make another loop. Then I move the loop over to the end of the belt that is sticking out and feed it through. Works wonders and it's barely noticible.
ReplyDeleteI've also used double-sided tape in the past but I got tired of having it re-apply it every time I wore my belts.
what about snaps? like these - http://www.voguefabricsstore.com/store/product.php?productid=11597&cat=166&page=2
ReplyDeleteno cutting involved, either sew or glue on. :)
this may be a major faux pas, but I usually just take an elastic hair tie (black or brown) and put it around my belt like a carrier. It's quick and easy and it slides to wherever you need it!
ReplyDeleteSuzannah! How nice of you! I was not expecting you to post on your blog. Your readers are great. Thanks for all these wonderful ideas! I like the snaps idea particularly... seems simple enough. I think I might stop by Jo-Ann Fabrics today to pick some up.
ReplyDeleteThanks again,
Natasha @ twenty-something blog
http://poshxoxo.blogspot.com
You're so crafty! That's why I have this little something waiting for you on my blog...
ReplyDeletehttp://silverrosesewing.blogspot.com/2010/07/sunshine-award.html
Thirding the hair-rubber band method - but specifically using the clear, flat hair-rubber bands as another carrier near the end of the belt.
ReplyDeleteCut it off from the buckle end and no one will ever know.
ReplyDeleteDebbie
eat more?
ReplyDeleteI do what many others have said. I use a matching hair elastic. (one of those nice covered ones) and slip it onto the belt. Then I put the extra length through it. Easy and cheap!
ReplyDeleteI know this is not a DIY solution, but take the belt to a shoe repair place. For $5 they will remove the buckle, shorten the belt (at the buckle end) & retach it. FYI: you can also get belts (slightly) lengthened this way -- they will also add on a small piece of leather to the buckle end & the seam is covered by the buckle & belt end.
ReplyDelete